What is diesel particulate matter (DPM)?
Particulate matter is formed during combustion of liquid fuels and engine lubricating oil. Particulate levels from diesel engines are high compared to particulate levels from spark ignited and gaseous-fueled engines. Diesel particulates are very small and have diameters of 0.01 to 1 microns. Smaller size diesel particulates penetrate deep into lungs when inhaled and have significant health impacts. Particulates from diesel engine exhaust are known to increase the risk of heart and respiratory disease, and have been labeled as either a “human carcinogen” or “probable human carcinogen” by several regulatory agencies.
